Abstract

BALIO, Beatriz Gandra; GIRO, Rita  and  RORIZ, Maria. ADJUVANT NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2023, n.32, pp.60-65.  Epub Oct 06, 2023. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2023.3210.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases has increased substantially in the last few years, bringing consequences not only to quality of life, but also to patients’ emotional/psychological wellbeing. Preliminary data from experimental studies suggest that using nutraceuticals as an adjuvant therapy to improve gastrointestinal symptomology may be a relevant and innovative strategy, since first line pharmacological treatments may pose severe adverse effects, drug resistance and lack of patient compliance. This narrative review aimed to explore the potential of four bioactive compounds at improving gastrointestinal symptomatology and disease management. Additionally, the mechanisms of action and dosages underlying the positive effects of these substances in improving quality of life and risk of disease relapse are also explored.

According to the evidence found, peppermint oil and probiotics appear to ameliorate irritable bowel syndrome symptomatology, whereas polyphenols such as curcumin suggest a complementary effect in inducing and maintaining clinical remission among ulcerative colitis patients. Evidence regarding ginger’s effect on gastrointestinal symptoms is lacking and demonstrates little to no expression in irritable bowel syndrome nor functional dyspepsia.In conclusion, the consumption of peppermint oil, polyphenols and probiotics may be a viable adjuvant in the management of gastrointestinal diseases, associated symptomology and quality of life. However, further randomized controlled trials are warranted to elucidate on the optimal dose, safety and long-term efficacy of supplementing with these components, and particularly on the potential relevance of ginger supplementation.

Keywords : Clinical nutrition; Dietary supplement; Gastroenterology; Nutraceuticals; Therapeutic use.

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